With the festive decorations going up and carols filling the air, Christmas is often painted as a time of warmth, joy and togetherness. Yet for many older people, whether living in care homes or receiving support at home, the season can deliver a sense of isolation and loneliness. It is important to recognise the emotional and health toll this can take.

Why the festive season can be especially tough

Holidays like Christmas tend to magnify the pain of absence. Mobility issues, health constraints or limited transport can make attending festive events difficult, even when someone wants to join in.

Evidence from the World Health Organisation (WHO) shows that loneliness and social isolation among older adults are linked to a higher risk of depression, anxiety, cardiovascular problems and even a poorer immune response.

According to research from Age UK, over 2.3 million older people say they would like someone to spend Christmas with, and about 1.6 million call Christmas Day the hardest day of the year. The emotional weight of the season, remembrance, regret and loss, can be amplified by limited opportunity for meaningful contact or new connections.

This applies to older people receiving care at home as much as to residents of care settings. The risk is that Christmas, a time when many assume everyone is together, becomes a time when some older people feel most invisible.

Connecting, caring and creating meaning

Fortunately, loneliness doesn’t have to be inevitable. Both practical and heartfelt interventions can help older people feel seen, supported and included. Here are some of the most effective approaches.

• Regular phone calls, video chats or in-person visits, even short ones, can make a huge difference. For those living alone or with limited mobility, technology can help overcome many of the usual barriers.
• Encourage community and social interaction. Simple ideas, such as meeting a neighbour or attending a local event, can reconnect older people with their communities. For those in care homes, group activities, shared meals, and games can offer meaningful connections.
• Help age-friendly community schemes flourish. Programs that bring people together, such as memory cafes, community lunches or befriending calls, can provide a friendly space and sense of belonging.

Christmas and beyond

At Christmas, loneliness can become more acute. Holiday traditions often foreground busy family celebrations, social gatherings and festive travel, and those unable to join in can feel left out or forgotten. Services, volunteers and communities can help mitigate this. Many older people feel unseen and unheard at Christmas, yet for them, a friendly phone call, a warm meal, or simply the company of a person who cares can make a world of difference. Read more about keeping loved ones safe and supported through winter in our article.

As a care provider, we know that meaningful connection is just as important as high-quality care. At Christmas, this becomes especially significant. That is why every Belmont Healthcare home has created a thoughtful and joyful programme called 25 Days of Christmas, developed alongside our dedicated Wellbeing and Lifestyle Coordinators.

The aim is simple: to make sure no one feels alone, and everyone has something to look forward to throughout December. This inclusive programme brings people together through creativity, music, food, shared memories and community spirit. Some of this year’s highlights include Christmas wreath making, designing a Christmas cake, engaging with local school children, festive trips out and bringing families and people together, as no one should be alone at Christmas.

For those receiving support through Belmont @ Home, our teams focus on helping people feel valued and included, whether through companionship, support with festive preparations, or simply being someone to talk to.

Loneliness is not inevitable at Christmas. With a little thought and a lot of care, we can create experiences that bring comfort, companionship and connection.

If you would like to find out more about the 25 Days of Christmas programme or explore how we support people both in our homes and in their own homes, please get in touch.